Sometimes I think of the fact that living with SCD can have its varied ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ and it makes me cringe. I know you all could be questioning why most of my writings lately seem less focused on Sickle Cell Disease. The truth is that the blog is more about my journey living with SCD, my high points and low points, my best days, and sad days. I can’t give what I do not have that’s why many times, I offer this platform to you warriors to share your views or stories.

You could be asking out loud “but Onuoma you know you can do a bit of research? Yes, I know but I choose not to do so simply because I’m limiting the amount of discouraging news I feed myself. I’m trying very hard to change my mindset about the way I view life as having an ailment is not a death sentence. The more I pour upsetting news into my mind OR your mind, the outcome would be counter-productive as the ability for us to take charge and live our lives may be somewhat depressing. The last thing I want is for you all to constantly view life from a point of gloom. Many of you, are trying to cope with the various issues in your different journeys, why compound it all?

Warriors, you understand what it feels like to live this journey. There are certain days that we may not feel up to the tasks in front of us. It could be school/work but despite this, we pick ourselves up and we trudge on. Many times when we are hurting in certain parts of our limbs, we quietly take our pain relievers and when asked by others if everything is ok we put up a smile.

I’ve come to understand of late that warriors are one of the strongest people on earth because they have faced different forms of pain. Right from infancy, we have been groomed to bear pain. When we put our minds to a task, it’s impossible to back down because of the tenacity we all have. If you are a warrior who is feeling defeated in your outlook on life, then you are gradually eliminating your inner strength. Don’t see yourself as being different from others rather, see yourself as being able to overcome and attain like others.

My heart also reaches out to those of you coping with neurological issues. Lately, I was very saddened when I came across a young lad taking the same medicine as I do. How do you encourage the caregivers that everything will be ok? Many times they’ve chosen to write-off this aspect of their pain. I recall once when I went to the clinic for my neurological appointment. The doctor that attended to me shared a truth that was so encouraging. She explained that many times, patients with certain neurological disorders can be high achievers when they channel their energy into productive things. This is the statement I would like such caregivers to individuals with neurological disorders to know. Your child may be having it tough right now just keep up with the encouragement. They may not be outgoing like all others but deep down on the inside, they are focused individuals.

Let me share two truths with you that have been resonating in my heart this week. It says “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth” Ecclesiastes 7v4. Now, why would the Bible make such a statement? because it is very true. Many times when you mourn, it causes you to have sober reflections and make very tough decisions that turn around for the better. This is just one perspective to the above truth as it could inspire you differently.

The second truth that I’d like to inspire you says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” Philippians 4v8.

So you have an ailment or disease, why dwell on the downsides of it? Set your mind on things you wish to accomplish and don’t let it be a stumbling block so that you sit down having a pity party and feeling all defeated.

As long as there is life there is hope. So keep having hope and pushing for those dreams of yours to come true.

Until next week, take care.